(COLUMBIA) – The South Carolina Department of Public Safety began an effort today focused on aggressive driving behaviors that are causing deadly collisions on state roadways. The effort kicked off in the Upstate with a three-day wave of enforcement emphasis running from January 31-February 2. Enforcement will focus on aggressive driving behaviors such as speed, changing lanes unlawfully, and following too closely.

Troopers from the Highway Patrol Target Zero Team, which is a statewide team focused specifically on fatality reduction, will team up with local troopers and local law enforcement to conduct periods of enforcement in areas around the state beginning in January and running through the end of the year. The enforcement is coupled with a strong emphasis on safety education and outreach through the media and social media.

While this effort is beginning in the Upstate area, motorists from all over the state can expect to see similar enforcement in their area in the months to come. The next waves of enforcement will be in the Lowcountry in February and the Midlands in March.

The enforcement effort is part of SCDPS’ Target Zero campaign to reduce fatalities and collisions on South Carolina’s roadways. In 2016, a preliminary number of 981 people died in motor vehicle collisions on South Carolina roads. The leading causations of fatal collisions were speed, driving under the influence and failure to yield right of way. The leading causations of total collisions (injury, property damage etc.) were speed, failure to yield the right of way, distracted/inattention, following too closely and improper lane usage/change.

“South Carolina is a great place to live and work, and we want those who live and visit here to feel safe navigating our roadways,” said SCDPS Director Leroy Smith. “That is why law enforcement is calling attention to these deadly driving behaviors and asking the public to join us to STOP aggressive driving.”

The roadways chosen are areas where statistics show a high incidence of fatalities, collisions, and reported aggressive driving behaviors. In the Upstate area, some of those roadways include: S.C 28 Bypass in Anderson County, U.S. 276, U.S. 25, and I-385 in Greenville County.

“We want the public to know we have heard their concerns about aggressive driving,” said Highway Patrol Col. Mike Oliver. “Enforcement, however, is only one piece of the puzzle. We need the public to examine their own driving behaviors and to help us when they see reckless drivers by calling *HP.”

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, Immigration Enforcement Unit and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.www.scdps.gov